Substation Physical Engineer

ICF

Substation Physical Engineer managing the design and execution of high-voltage substation projects for electric utilities. Focused on delivering quality engineering services with a remote and flexible work environment.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeRemote • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $89,261 - $183,610 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in substation physical design, including the preparation of detailed engineering drawings and studies, while ensuring compliance with industry codes and standards. Capable of mentoring junior engineers and managing multiple projects effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Substation Physical DesignAutoCAD ProficiencyProfessional Engineer (PE) LicenseSubstation Design Standards FamiliarityProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Substation One Line and Three Line DrawingsElectrical DetailsGrounding Plan and DetailsIllumination Plan and DetailsAC Load StudiesLightning Shielding StudiesBill of Materials Development3D Modeling with Autodesk InventorCDEGS FamiliarityAgi32 Illumination Software

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsLeadership QualitiesStrong InitiativeMentoring

Tools & Technologies

BluebeamMicroStationMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Excel

Certifications & Qualifications

BS in EngineeringProfessional Engineer (PE) License

Industry Keywords

IEEENESCNECUtility StandardsSubstation Design Practices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Responsibilities include, but are not limited, leading and overseeing the design and preparation of substation physical design drawings and including:
Substation One Line and Three Line
Station General Arrangements & Sections
Electrical Details
Grounding Plan & Details
Conduit Plan & Details
Control Cubicle Layout, Sections, Cable Tray, Lighting, and Grounding
Low-Voltage AC Panels
Grounding Plan & Details
Lightning Protection
Illumination Plan & Details
Leading the design and preparation of engineering studies such as:
AC Load
Illumination
Grounding
Lightning Shielding
Development of Bill of Materials based on Design Criteria
Coordination with protection & controls, civil / structural, and drafting disciplines to ensure quality deliverables
Support client meetings, technical discussions, and project planning efforts
Participate in site visits and constructability reviews
Interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables
Apply client standards related to the work
Perform/ensure company’s Quality assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes are being followed on all design packages
Ensure compliance with industry codes (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NEC) and utility standards
Continuous improvement of job-related engineering, technical and professional knowledge, skills, and performance
Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in Engineering, preferably electrical with Power Focus
2+ years of experience in substation physical design for electric utilities
2+ years of experience working with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and MicroStation
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong initiative and leadership qualities to support career advancement
Advanced user of Microsoft products, specifically Word and Excel
Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within 6 months
Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar design tool
Familiarity with substation design standards and practices (IEEE, NESC, utility specs)
Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor junior staff
Experience leading substation projects modelled in 3D using Autodesk Inventor
Familiarity with substation grounding studies and CDEGS
Familiarity with Agi32 illumination software

Benefits

Comp & perks

Quality of life: Fully remote, flexible schedule, work-life balance
Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities
Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan